New York never ceases to amaze me. Some time ago, a professional thirty-something came into the shop. He seemed to be at a career turning-point and asked if I'd look at his new line of leather goods—which he was handcrafting in his Upper West Side apartment. He explained that the leather was all vegetable-dyed in Chicago and that the pieces would develop a rich lustre with use and handling. He showed me the neatness of his hand-stitching, and how he waxed the raw edges (by hand) to give a finished appearance to the seams. His designs had an urban take on rustic practicality. Of course, I placed an order! Over the next couple of days, I'll share a few of his pieces with you.
Shown here, a simple leather business card case with a snapping brass closure. Besides business cards, it could hold a license, a couple of credit cards and maybe a Twenty or two (just in case). Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
More "Rustic Manhattan" tomorrow.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248